Single Idea 22494

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / e. Means and ends]

Full Idea

Perfect knowledge of the end consists in not only apprehending the thing which is the end but also knowing it under the aspect of the end and the relation of the means to that end.

Gist of Idea

We must know the end, know that it is the end, and know how to attain it

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], II-I.Q132), quoted by Philippa Foot - Natural Goodness 4

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Natural Goodness' [OUP 2003], p.54


A Reaction

We don't talk much now about 'perfect' knowledge of something, but I suppose this is the necessary and sufficient conditions. If you complete the checklist, your knowledge should be perfect (if the list is right).